Posted by SerieAWeekly - Frank Tigani

This weekend in Italy’s Serie A Milan host Inter in the derby match that could decide this seasons’ Scudetto winner. Just two points separates the city rivals with Milan maintaining a fragile two point lead despite their recent drop in form. Inter, on the other hand, have been in great form of late and a win for them would put them in pole position to retain their domestic crown. 

Seven rounds remain in the Serie A after Saturday nights’ derby della Madonnina and it is for this reason that whoever does gain local bragging rights will become the favourite to win the title. 

For Milan, a win would see them extend their lead to five points. Despite Inter’s great form in recent matches, such a gap may prove too much for them especially as they are still involved in the Champions League, unlike Milan who can focus their efforts solely on domestic matters. 

Either a draw or a win for Inter would see the title race remain wide open perhaps making for a thrilling finish to the season. However, a win for Inter could see the Nerazzurri attain a slender yet significant one point lead that could provide the foundations of a late and successful bid to continue their domestic dominance of recent years.

In recent matches the spark has disappeared from Milan’s displays. Eliminated by Champions League debutants Tottenham, unable to defeat bottom placed Bari and the loss to Palermo in the last round have dented the confidence of Max Allegri’s side at a most critical stage of the season. For this reason, losing to Inter could see Milan’s title challenge slowly slip away. 

In the derby played earlier this season, Milan grinded out a narrow yet deserving one nil victory largely thanks to the heroic display of Zlatan Ibrahimovic. The big Swede won and converted the penalty that separated the two sides and he remained a constant thorn to Inter’s backline even when the Rossoneri were reduced to ten men after Ignazio Abate’s dismissal. 

For the derby this weekend, Milan will be without Ibrahimovic and his absence could prove significant. The Swede has been instrumental throughout the season for Milan with his goals and ability to provide assists. Despite having led the Serie A for much of the season, Milan have struggled to find goals only scoring 51 in 30 matches and this will make Ibra’s absence all the more problematic for Max Allegri. 

Aside from what this weekend’s derby clash could mean for the title race, there is an intriguing subplot set to take place. Leonardo, who spent 13 fruitful years at Milan as a player, scout and head coach, will be directing Inter from the dugout as he meets his former employers for the first time as head coach of their hated rivals. 

Leonardo took over the reins at Inter in January after Rafa Benitez was asked to leave following a poor first half of the season. He has proved an instant success at his new club, helping his side back into contention for the domestic title as well as guiding them into the quarter finals of the Champions League. 

However, for Milan, their players and fans alike, Leonardo’s defection to Inter was seen as a major insult. Talking to Sky Italia about Leonardo, Milan goalkeeper Christian Abbiati was quoted saying "I think his passage to Inter has disappointed many Milan fans. Some of my team-mates were also hurt by the decision."

This subplot to a game that already has so much riding upon it will only serve to intensify the emotionally charged atmosphere so typical of derby matches at the San Siro. 

Without Ibrahimovic, Milan will have to rely on the genius of Antonio Cassano and the speed and finishing of Pato to provide the goals. Inter will look to their star man Samuel Eto’o, as always. The Cameroonian has been in sparkling form of late scoring and creating goals in both Europe and in Italy. Goran Pandev and new signing Giampaolo Pazzini, who has been an instant hit for his new club, will also pose a real threat to Milan’s backline. 

This weekend’s Milan derby will see the league’s best defensive outfit take on the most prolific strike force. Though Milan have struggled to score goals this season, they boast the meanest defensive record having only conceded 22 goals. Inter, conversely, have scored 56 goals which is only matched by free scoring Udinese.

Last season Inter won their 18th Scudetti, overtaking Milan who have only claimed seventeen. For Milan, the chance to break Inter’s domestic dominance, equal Inter’s record of Scudetti and win their first domestic league title since 2004 very much rests upon the outcome of this match. Add the passion that Leonardo’s presence on the Inter bench will invoke from a largely Milan crowd and the stage is set for one of the most memorable and fascinating Milan derby in years.